The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) shattered the hopes of every Indian by dismissing Vinesh Phogat's silver medal petition a day after pushing the verdict date for the third time. This means that the star Indian wrestler will not get any medal. She was disqualified from the 50kg women's wrestling event in the recently concluded Paris Olympics after reaching the final due to being 100 gm overweight than the sanctioned weight limit.
"The application filed by Vinesh Phogat in 7 August 2024 is dismissed," CAS wrote in their official statement. A detailed judgement on the matter will be out soon too from the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
Vinesh Phogat's heartbreaking reaction
The star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat finally reacted to CAS's decision. However, it was without words, Vinesh posted an emotional picture of herself with a B Praak's song named ‘Zindagi’ in the background. The lyrics of the song mean ‘that during my chance, god you were sleeping’.
ALSO READ: Vinesh Phogat verdict: Rule that costed Indian wrestler silver medal was amended by UWW in 2017
The next step from IOA
"The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Dr. PT Usha has expressed her shock and disappointment at the decision of the Sole Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to dismiss wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh’s application to be awarded a shared silver medal women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large. The marginal discrepancy of a 100 grams and the resultant consequences has profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh’s career but also raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation," stated an official statement from IAO.
"The IOA firmly believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination. Our legal representatives had duly brought this out in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator. The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes' well-being. In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh's case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public," the statement further added.
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